Monthly Archives March 2015

On March 19, Brad McDowell of Smith, McDowell and Powell was appointed to be a member of the Sacramento City Unified School District Bond Oversight Committee. As selected by the SCUSD School Board, the BOC provides civilian oversight of money designated for the construction, repair, and modernization of schools by the district. The BOC communicates its findings to the Board and the public in order to ensure that school bond funds are invested as the voters intended and that projects are completes wisely and efficiently. As a father of two children enrolled (and soon-to-be enrolled) within the SCUSD school system, Brad relishes this opportunity to take part in the educations of his children and all of those in the district.

To find out more, visit this page on the Sacramento City Unified School District’s website.

March Madness: Office Pools Better Left a Spectator Sport for Employers

You don’t have to be a fan of collegiate basketball to know that over the next few weeks, sixty-eight NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball teams will compete in a knockout-style tournament most commonly referred to as “March Madness.” To the victors, go the elite honor of being crowned “NCAA Champions,” and to the millions of people who wager on the games, the privilege of participating in a fast growing tradition – office brackets. However, at what cost?

Various sources estimate companies will lose more than $1.0 billion per business hour during the first week of the annual tournament. Further, depending on the structure of the betting, and the particular region in question, many participants may unknowingly violate state and/or federal law. While regulations vary by state, many jurisdictions have enacted legal exceptions allowing tournament pools to proceed as long as the maximum payout is relatively small and each participant pays the same fee and has the same chances of winning. Consequently, although no bracket betting is void of potential illegality, the more cautious gamblers should, at a minimum, avoid online and high dollar pools and ensure that each participant pays the same fee and has the same odds of winning. Pool organizers should also avoid receipt of any profit or fee for their efforts.

Regardless, while most businesses will inevitably suffer a loss in productivity over the coming days, legal experts agree employers should avoid organizing pools for their staff. Despite the fun likely to be had by all, individuals and entities that organize and administer office pools face a far greater risk of legal repercussions for unlawful gambling activities. While it is unlikely criminal charges will occur, the risks do not outweigh the benefits. As a result, from an owner and/or employer perspective, March Madness is better left as a spectator sport.

This Friday, the West Sacramento Educational Foundation (WSEF) is hosting a “Bowling for Schools” fundraiser at Capitol Bowl in West Sacramento. Since incorporating in 2005,WSEF has given nearly $130,000.00 in grants to West Sacramento schools. The grants issued in 2013 and 2014 were used for literacy projects, field trips, garden programs, math programs, and musical equipment, among other things. The team of Smith McDowell & Powell will be there, ready to bowl and compete against other local organizations, to support this great cause. We also encourage other community members to do the same by registering their team of five players here. A donation of $125 qualifies a team for two games, anytime between 2pm and 8pm, with the main event and awards ceremony occurring in the evening. WSEF is an education-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization so not only will your donation go to a great cause, but it is tax-deductible, as well!